The Best and Worst Foods for Acid Reflux (2024)

FAQs

What food cancels out acid reflux? ›

Bananas, melons, broccoli, asparagus, and green beans are low in acid and known to reduce stomach acid levels. Whole grains — High fiber, whole-grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain breads help stop symptoms. They are a good source of fiber and may help absorb stomach acid, reducing the risk of symtoms.

No food will neutralize stomach acid, but oatmeal can help absorb it so that it doesn't return to the esophagus. Other foods, such as bananas, may be less likely to trigger stomach acid than others, for instance, tomatoes and citrus fruits.

Taking antacids is considered the quickest way to get rid of heartburn.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas after eating. For this remedy, add 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) of baking soda to 4 ounces (oz) of warm water and drink. Sodium bicarbonate is generally safe and nontoxic.

Acid reflux takes place when the acid from your stomach touches the esophagus, causing pain and irritation. Good foods to eat for dinner to avoid heartburn include leafy greens, non-citrus fruits, ginger, oatmeal, healthy fats, seafood and aloe vera juice.

Herbal teas (chamomile, licorice, and ginger), low fat milk, plant-based milk (oat, flax, or almond milk), smoothies, coconut water, and nonacidic juices (cucumber, carrot, and aloe vera) may help you manage acid reflux symptoms. Remember to opt for unsweetened and noncarbonated drinks.

What is the best breakfast for GERD? ›

Oatmeal and Wheat: Try Whole Grains for Breakfast

Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For something sweet, top your oatmeal with bananas, apples or pears. The fructose in these fruits is less likely to trigger acid reflux than other sugars.

Whole grain foods like oatmeal, bread, and brown rice are healthy, hearty ways to combat occasional heartburn. These complex carbohydrates not only help absorb acid in the stomach, but they're also full of vitamins and minerals.

Try to go for a slice of bread with only 2g or less of fat in it. FILLERS: try to stick to meats lower in fat, such as chicken, turkey, ham or roast beef. Buy meats that haven't gone through a lot of processing.

While pasta can be ok to eat if you're suffering from acid reflux, often your favourite sauces might not be! As we've already mentioned, tomatoes might make acid reflux symptoms worse – so it's best to swap out tomato-based sauces for a low-fat milk sauce or a broth. Milk can be a key component of many of our diets.

Peanut butter is not generally a common trigger food for acid reflux, and those with GERD may want to include it as a source of monounsaturated fat. A person can eat peanut butter in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If people find that peanut butter triggers acid reflux, they may need to limit or avoid it.

Herbal teas (chamomile, licorice, and ginger), low fat milk, plant-based milk (oat, flax, or almond milk), smoothies, coconut water, and nonacidic juices (cucumber, carrot, and aloe vera) may help you manage acid reflux symptoms. Remember to opt for unsweetened and noncarbonated drinks.

For example, patients with GERD should avoid overly-processed, high-fat snacks like french fries, onion rings, and potato chips. If you want a snack and have GERD, consider healthy, high-protein, and lean snacks like bananas, egg whites, carrots, and whole grains.